Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I echo the sentiments expressed of my colleague, Senator Henry. This took more debate than the area pertaining to podiatrists. We were all strong in our view that the title "physical therapist" should have been introduced just for the protection of physiotherapists. I understand Senator Henry's point, coming from a medical background as she does. One fears that people will visit a physical therapist thinking they are visiting a physiotherapist and not realise the difference.

The Minister of State was very accommodating on this issue. He reconsidered it and tried to reach agreement between the Irish Association of Physical Therapists and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists but there was no budging on the part of one of those bodies. I am sorry that body could not see its way to accommodating the issue.